Parents to blame for child obesity

Parents are to blame for Britain’s obesity crisis, which costs the economy £45 billion a year. Three in four adults said mums and dads make their children fat, while 49% of those surveyed blamed food manufacturers. Only 38% believe lack of sporting facilities is behind the problem, according to Benenden Healthcare. A recent Government report predicted that obesity will cost the UK £45bn a year by 2050. A Benenden spokesperson said: “If people take their own advice and start to tackle the obesity issue, it will not only save money for the NHS but also lead to a healthier debate.“

Adverts that suggest to parents that buying a bucket of takeaway food is a treat for the kids do not help. Any parent who thinks you should gauge value by quantity is helping their kids get obese.

The cost of raising a child has soared by a third in the past five years to an average of more than £186,000, research revealed last month. Bringing up a child from birth to 21 costs the equivalent of £8,858 a year, £738 a month or £24.30 a day said friendly society Liverpool Victoria. And the society predicted costs would rocket by an amazing 42 per cent between now and 2012. Childcare remains the single biggest cost, with the average family facing a £50,538 bill.